"INEXPLICABLE"

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 84, 6 October 1936, Page 13

"INEXPLICABLE"

PETONE'S CRICKET

HON. W. NASH'S VIEWS

Surprise at the action taken by the Wellington Cricket Association's management committee in depriving the Petone Cricket Club of the senior status it has enjoyed for many years is expressed by the Minister of Finance (the Hon. W. Nash) in a letter to the club, of which he is patroni Pointing out that naturally he hesitates to express an opinion on the action without hearing the views of the association, the Hon. Mr. Nash states: "At the same time I must say that, on the information before me, I am quite unable to understand the association's decision. When one considers the many years during which the Petone Club has made outstanding contributions to the association and to cricket in the Dominion, the importance of the district represented by the club and the performance of its senior and other teams over the last four years, the decision becomes inexplicable. . "I am convinced that such a retrograde step would set back the wholesome sport of cricket not only in Petone but throughout the Wellington area. A senior team is essential in this district if younger players are to be encouraged, coached, and inspired by example. I am reassured by the knowledge that the association has agreed to receive a deputation from your club in order to hear your point of view. I am hopeful that when the additional facts, which probably were not in the minds of the management committee in making the decision, are placed before them- a reasonable outcome will result. "As patron of your club, I wish to give my • wholehearted_support to the resolution passed at your meeting last Wednesday." Mr. ' Nash concluded the letter (written yesterday) with the hope that the meeting with the association last night would enable a satisfactory conclusion to be reached. The decision of last night's meeting, reported elsewhere, leaves the position as it was— that Petone is relegated.